Real Estate Tasting Room

Are You Too Planning To Retire In The Santa Ynez Valley?

The Ultimate Retreats

The Santa Ynez Valley is in many ways an ideal spot in which to celebrate your retirement. For those having lived a hectic life with the stress of work, traffic and many conflicting obligations, the Santa Ynez lifestyle represents the ultimate retreat.

What to Purchase Now?

I have found that many Buyers looking forward to retirement, purchase properties in advance, to begin the journey and enjoy the good life on weekends and holidays. I think of these as mini retirements, or a chance to rejuvenate and begin living as a local. One great option is to buy a property in the location, land and improvements (home, barn etc) to fulfill your current needs and add improvements as you need them. This will reduce your initial investment and allow you to ultimately have what you want. This also allows you to decide if you want to house all of your visitors and family on the property or put them up in one of our lovely hotels! I refer to these as transitional properties. This in fact is the way my husband and I approached our purchase.

Farming in Your Bucket List?

Many of our buyers looking for Santa Ynez retirement properties, want to do something with the land. Typically this includes planting grapes, olive groves, organic gardens or other crops and/or having lifestock or horses. In purchasing properties for these purposes, the buyer needs to consider the direction of usable land, for example south and east-facing hillsides are ideal for grapes, the availability and cost of water and the condition of the soil. This information is easily obtained with the assistance of your REALTOR. Also, there are a number of consultants available who might be called in for opinions and ongoing assistance.

The Free and Easy Option

Another type of retirement buyer is looking for a property that is easy to care for and can be locked up and left without great concern. These buyers have many options, from freestanding home/condos (Mission Hills), to in-town homes on .1-.25 acres, to the glorious Alisal Ranch. This huge, magnificent ranch is perhaps best known for its low-keyed resort. However, there are approximately 60 homes nestled in this magnificent setting with astonishing views and potential access to its golf course, restaurant and other facilities. These homes generally sit on .5-2 acres, although there are a few larger properties. They are purchased as leaseholds, at prices that are 50%-75% of their value if they were sold as fee simple. There is a required annual lease payment that varies from property to property.

The range of properties in the Santa Ynez Valley is extensive, as are the prices. For more information on retirement properties, please contact me.